Abstract

A series of novel nanocomposites constituted
of FeCo nanoparticles dispersed in an ordered
cubic Im3m mesoporous silica matrix (SBA-16) have
been successfully synthesized using the wet impregnation
method. SBA-16, prepared using the non-ionic
Pluronic 127 triblock copolymer as a structuredirecting
agent, is an excellent support for catalytic
nanoparticles because of its peculiar three-dimensional
cage-like structure, high surface area, thick
walls, and high thermal stability. Low-angle X-ray
diffraction, N2 physisorption, and transmission electron
microscopy analyses show that after metal
loading, calcination at 500 C, and reduction in H2
flux at 800 C, the nanocomposites retain the wellordered
structure of the matrix with cubic symmetry
of pores. FeCo alloy nanoparticles with spherical
shape and narrow size distribution (4–8 nm) are
homogeneoulsy distributed throughout the matrix and
they seem in a large extent to be allocated inside the
pores.